Fall Quarter 2020 Learning Plan

Most TCC classes will be held online, with the exception of a few classes in programs that have been approved by the Office of the Governor.

The majority of TCC classes will be held online in the Fall. But some Health Careers classes, and possibly some sciences classes, will hold labs on campus. We will follow the guidelines issued by the Office of the Governor about what classes in pre-approved programs can be held.

Because the majority of the classes will be online, they will not have scheduled times. These type of classes are called “asynchronous.” Some classes will have required meeting times, either as required on-campus labs or as required online meetings. Online classes with required meeting times are called “synchronous.” Those meeting times will be listed in the Class Schedule in ctcLink. For example, if you’re enrolling for an English 101 class that lists a meeting time from 10 – 11 a.m. Tuesday & Thursday, you would need to be available to meet 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

We understand that many of our students have work and childcare obligations. Some programs and courses require students to commit to meeting at specific times (synchronous classes). But most courses offer sections which do not require specific meeting times (asynchronous classes). If you can’t commit to meet at a specific time, sign up for an asynchronous section of the course you need.

Check the “Room” field on the first page of the class schedule. The “Room” Field for a traditional, 100 percent asynchronous online class will say “has no scheduled meetings.” You can find more details in the “notes” section of the class you are interested in enrolling in ctcLink.

There are a few benefits to synchronous instruction:

• Professors with experience teaching online report that lack of structure is one of the biggest challenges for students learning online. If you feel that you would benefit from the added structure and accountability of required weekly check-ins, you might find that signing up for a class that delivers synchronous instruction helps you stay on track and finish the quarter with the grade you want.
• Synchronous instruction may help you make stronger connections with your professor and classmates.
• If you have questions about the material, you can ask them and get answers in real time during a synchronous session.

TCC has to follow stringent guidelines in order to hold any on-campus activity.  These guidelines are based on what phase of reopening the college and Pierce County are in, as outlined by the Governor’s Office. We are currently in Phase One reopening, which means that everyone on campus has to maintain six feet distance from other people and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times, including masks and gloves. TCC will supply the PPE for everyone required to come to campus. 

As we get closer to the start of fall quarter, our county and state may be in a different phase. If so, we will abide by that phase’s guidelines.

Currently, we offer online support services, and we are working remotely to serve students. However, we miss our students, and we know that interpersonal connection is important. We are observing our state’s status, and if we can do so, open some of our support services. We would follow the phase guidelines, which would include masks, limited number of people and/or social distancing.